There was pomp and color at Shakahola area in Magarini constituency Kilifi County when hundreds of residents turned up to celebrate the 14th annual Mekatilili Menza festival.
Mekatilili Menza is the Giriama Heroine who led the Mijikenda in rebelling against the British colonialists rule in 1913.
For the First time the fete organized by Malindi district cultural association was held at the same spot where Mekatilili slapped a British District Commissioner Arthur Champion on August 13 1913 leading to the famous ‘Kondo ya Chembe’ (Chembe War).
In the previous years the ceremony was held at Bungale in Magarini Sub County where Mekatilili was buried.
Cultural Lovers both young, old, men and women dressed in traditional Giriama attire turned up at the site located at the Bank of Galana River on Sunday night to honor the heroine who made history for being among the first Kenyans to fight against the British rule.
On Sunday night there were different cultural activities as elders lit bon fires and took time to tell ancient tales to young children as part of cultural promotion together with traditional dances.
This was followed by a series of events on Monday morning including a women only dance called ‘Kifudu’ which was the Heroine’s favorite traditional dance.
Women in full traditional regalia marched in a procession from the site to Shaka Hola trading center attracting a huge crowd of onlookers and followers.
Joseph Karisa Mwarandu the Secretary General of MADCA termed the event historically since Mekatilili begun the struggle for independence.
“We plan to make this place an international Centre to help people to come and learn culture and patriotism,’’ he said.
Among those present included a delegation from Mau Mau War veteran Association led by secretary General Gitu Wa Kahengeri, Treasurer Grace Nyambura and Chairman Mbukugu Marete.
Wa Kahengeri also officially laid a foundation for the new site which is expected to become an international Memorial center in horror of the Mijikenda Heroine Mekatilili Menza.
In his speech Wakahengeri Said the Site was meant to promote peace, unity and justice.
“This site reflects the birth of the Kenyan nation. Today we are marking history which clearly states the beginning of Mau Mau rebellion in the country. Freedom was fought by all Kenyans. During the Mau Mau Case in London all Patriotism from all Kenyans of the country including Coast was represented,’’ he said.
The Mau Mau war veteran association Chairman called on the government both county and national to cooperate and build the center to be of national status so as to preserve the history of Mau Mau Rebellion.
He also called on the government to honour Mau Mau Heroes by directing Authors to write Mau Mau history afresh so that future generations get to understand the struggle of independence of the country.
During the ceremony Malindi District cultural Association over saw the launch of a new book called Shujaa Mekatilili Menza written by Dr. Tsawe- Munga Chidongo a senior lecturer in African religious studies in the Department of Philosophy and religious studies at Pwani University Kenya.
The Book traces the history of the heroine from Childhood to marriage and her rebellion against injustices done by the British colonial rulers.
Dr. Chidongo said Mekatilili stood out from the rest for her courage in rebelling against the British.
Malindi District cultural association honored several people for their work in promoting culture including Radio Kaya Morning presenter Dama Kahindi and Bahari FM Presenter George Biff Mkuzi.
Others who were given awards included Kazungu Hawerisa a poet who writes Giriama poems, Mvera Kazungu a young girl who took traditional attire to the US, Nominated MCA Beatrice Mbuche an actress among others.